The Yankees said in a statement after A-Rod’s surgery that recovery was anticipated to take six months, but Cashman warned that “there’s no guarantees in this stuff.”

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Cashman did say that if A-Rod is out for the whole season, it won’t be for a lack of effort on the 18-year veteran’s part.

Rodriguez will “do everything in his power to put himself in the position to get back and be healthy and productive,” Cashman said.

The general manager is being optimistic, but also realistic about the future of the 37-year-old.

“Best case scenario, yeah he should be back,” Cashman said. “Worst case scenario is he won’t be back, or there might be something between.”

The three-time American League MVP batted .272 with 18 homers and 57 RBIs in 122 games played for the Bronx Bombers last season. He batted just .120 (3-for-25) with no RBIs in the playoffs, and was 0-for-18 with 12 strikeouts against right-handed pitchers.

New York signed Kevin Youkilis to a one-year, $12 million contract in December to replace Rodriguez at third base. Eduardo Nunez is currently projected to be the team’s starting designated hitter on Opening Day.

Cashman also took time to commend the crosstown-rival Mets and general manager Sandy Alderson.

“I think Sandy Alderson is doing a fantastic job, by the way, in the discipline and the decision-making they’ve executed,” Cashman said. “…(The Mets) couldn’t have gotten any better than what they got (in the R.A. Dickey trade). It was a phenomenal deal. (Travis d’Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard) have massive upside, and Mets fans should be very proud and happy with the direction that they’re being taken in currently … The Mets are in good hands.”

Do you think we’ll see A-Rod on the field in 2013? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below…